John K. Semler

John was born in New Brunswick, NJ and grew up in Hamilton Township, NJ. After graduating from Steinert High School in 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, moved to Levittown, PA and began working at the Princeton Plasma Physics Labratory. A model of loyalty and dedication, he committed himself to his wife, family and job for his entire life.  He ultimately retired from the PPPL after more than 50 years of service and, even after retirement, served as a consultant to the PPPL for important safety issues.

John was a former volunteer fireman with the former District 4 Fire Department in Hamilton. As a young paper boy, he once spotted a house on fire, alerted the fire department and subsequently ran into the burning building to help fight the fire and assist the residents. He was also an avid camper, craftsman and auto racing fan, spending a large part of his young adult life serving as a pit crew member for his brother’s URC sprint car team. But his true passion in life was supporting his children and grandchildren in their various pursuits, spending countless hours on the sidelines of marching band competitions (perhaps known to others as “football games”), horse riding exhibitions, soccer games, cross country meets and baseball games, where his children and grandchildren never stumbled, never allowed any goals, won every race and struck out every batter. Unless, of course, the competition cheated.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Coletta (DiBella) Semler of Levittown, PA; his daughter, Rose Ellen Niles, of Levittown, PA; his son, John Semler, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Carolyn (Sankey) Semler, of Summit, NJ; and his brother, Andrew Semler, of Levittown, PA. He was the doting grandfather of Stephanie (Niles) Ostro and her husband, Michael Ostro, of Yardley, PA; and Riley Semler and Max Semler, of Summit, NJ. He was also greatly looking forward to the birth of his great-grandson to the Ostro family,   

He is predeceased by his mother, Ellen (Hancock) Semler; his sister, Ellen Campbell; and his brother, James Semler.

The family will receive guests on Saturday November 27, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. with a service following at 10:30 a.m., at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, located at 2200 Trenton Rd. Levittown, PA 19056.

At the request of the family, all guests are required to wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Development Office, 34th Street & Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104.